For nearly twenty years, I have urged my children to “just go outside and play! Experience nature! Get out of this house!” There’s something inherently unnatural about keeping energetic little bodies confined within the walls of their home. Yet, children in our country, even those engaged in outdoor sports (who are fortunate enough to enjoy a mere 15 minutes of recess three times a week), often end up spending most of their time indoors.
This indoor lifestyle extends to parents as well, who find themselves glued to screens for hours, only catching glimpses of the sky through car windows and inhaling fresh air in parking lots as we dash in and out of stores. It’s no wonder that both children and parents are experiencing heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
In contrast, Scandinavia offers a different narrative. The concept of “friluftsliv” (pronounced FREE-loofts-leav) embodies a way of life that emerged post-World War II, as people sought refuge from urban life in the great outdoors. This term translates to “free-air life” and has become a deeply entrenched part of Scandinavian culture, particularly in parenting. It’s common to see Swedes, Danes, and Norwegians cycling to work, enjoying lunchtime hikes, or allowing preschoolers to play outside in conditions that might deter even polar bears.
A popular Swedish saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” This love for the outdoors contributes to healthier and happier lives for these individuals.
The Rejuvenating Power of Nature
But what is it about nature that rejuvenates our weary souls and restores our balance? Linda Andersson, author of “There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian’s Guide to Raising Healthy and Resilient Kids,” argues that our internal biological clocks align with nature’s rhythms, which are often disrupted by our modern lifestyles. In simpler terms, humans were not designed to remain indoors, fixated on devices all day.
In her book, Andersson outlines the emotional benefits families, especially children, can gain from embracing the friluftsliv lifestyle. Unfortunately, American children face significant barriers to outdoor time, as school schedules often limit their opportunities for free play in nature. The rare outdoor time is frequently consumed by organized sports, which contradicts the essence of friluftsliv.
For children to truly benefit from this practice—such as developing self-esteem, curiosity, and creativity—they need unstructured outdoor time. The Swedish government differentiates friluftsliv from competitive sports, emphasizing that it involves spending time outside for enjoyment and exploration, free from the pressures of competition.
Overcoming Barriers to Outdoor Play
In the U.S., many parents hesitate to let their children play outside due to unfounded fears about safety or judgment from others. Andersson reassures parents that allowing children to play in nature does not increase risks; rather, it fosters resilience. “Children who play outdoors tend to be calm yet alert, and statistically, there’s no greater danger in letting kids explore,” she states, noting that we are simply more aware of negative incidents today.
American children are often cooped up, leading to disruptions in their natural behaviors and those of their parents. Nature beckons us all, yet barriers in school and work policies hinder our access to the great outdoors. Andersson emphasizes the need for parents, educators, and caregivers to advocate for the inclusion of outdoor play in policies and planning, ensuring that it becomes a standard part of childhood rather than a luxury.
Embracing Friluftsliv
Spending time in nature should be a fundamental part of life, not something we have to plead for. So, the next time you find yourself exclaiming, “Go outside and play!” take a moment to appreciate that you’re not failing as a parent; you’re engaging in friluftsliv—a philosophy rooted in the joy of nature and our connection to the landscape. Thank you, Scandinavia!
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In summary, embracing the friluftsliv philosophy can offer significant benefits to both children and parents, encouraging a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle deeply connected to nature. By allowing children to play outdoors and explore without supervision, we can nurture their resilience and creativity, fostering a generation that appreciates the great outdoors.